Chapter 23

23. Head of the Construction Guild

There are many construction projects in the Jianghu.

This is because buildings are often destroyed by hostile forces.

Creating formations and mechanisms is ultimately part of the field of construction. Combining these with the environment is not the job of martial artists but of construction experts.

Moreover, in the Jianghu, when major battles are fought over the reputation of a sect, it is common for the sect's headquarters or branches to be burned to the ground. A sect that collapses in one fell swoop might end there, but prestigious sects and Jianghu families would typically rebuild their structures more grandly, investing huge sums of money.

In this sense, architects have earned their own reputations, and those who handle mechanisms are treated as masters in the Jianghu.

Lian Zicheng, a man who was one of the top three Jianghu architects during the time I was known as the leader of the Xiaowumen, was a master often invited to large-scale projects.

Of course, he, like me, is now twenty years younger.

When Lian Zicheng approached me to greet me, he looked like a young man, only a year or two younger than me, except for his sunburned face.

Lian Zicheng looked at me directly and said, "I am Lian Zicheng. I have been entrusted with this project through the introduction of Uncle Jin Cheliu."

I smiled and welcomed him.

"I am the owner of Zihakjeon."

Although I introduced myself as the owner of Zihakjeon, Lian Zicheng's reaction was different.

"You are indeed as young as our sect leader has heard."

"Our sect leader?"

When I and Chae Seongtae made eye contact, Lian Zicheng said with a determined look, "Uncle Jin specifically instructed me to call you 'sect leader.' He said that if I complete this project excellently, you might offer me the position of head of the Construction Guild. He also mentioned that there would be no need to pay any tribute to the sect. Sect leader, is that correct?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

Lian Zicheng smiled.

"Good. I find that very appealing. I will make Zihakjeon excellent, and I will take the position of head of the Construction Guild. I have great ambitions in the field of construction."

Of course, I welcome that.

And I know better than anyone else that this man has great ambitions.

As I smiled, Lian Zicheng looked at the open space and said, "Although it was a small inn, the site is very wide and good. It's a great place to build, and it's on a slightly elevated hill, so the evening view is excellent. In any case, you can entrust the entire construction project to me, sect leader."

Lian Zicheng turned to me and said, as if giving instructions, "I've heard that you will protect the hardworking people. Is that correct?"

I nodded, and Lian Zicheng smiled and said, "Since I am building this by your order, I will do my best to keep the price low. I want to make that clear."

I, along with Chae Seongtae, laughed.

"Ha ha..."

Lian Zicheng pointed to one side of the open space and said, "I will set up a temporary tent over there. It will serve as a dormitory and a place to eat. We have basic cooking utensils, but there are limits to always cooking. If the sect leader could occasionally buy delicious food for the workers and me, I would be very grateful."

Lian Zicheng was indeed a straightforward and bold man.

And he always demanded what he needed confidently.

He knew that clear words and actions were necessary to survive in the Jianghu.

In fact, Jianghu people respect men with clear words and actions.

There are cases where the Black Path does not kill the White Path, and the White Path does not kill the Black Path, which happens when they like each other's words and character.

Given Lian Zicheng's character, he would likely continue to thrive and build connections with Jianghu people.

He was indeed a smart man.

After talking to him, I felt a desire to keep Lian Zicheng as the head of the Construction Guild and not let him be taken by any other force.

I nodded and looked at Lian Zicheng.

'You are now a member of the Xiaowumen.'

I gave a direct order.

"Seongtae."

"Yes, sect leader."

"Make sure to invite the people working at Meihualou, Liuhualou, and Shihualou for dinner every evening. Treat them to the best food. And where are those ruffians who burned down the inn?"

"I've already instructed that they be given the hardest jobs. Don't worry; I, as the leader of the Shengmen, will take responsibility for dealing with them."

Lian Zicheng looked at Chae Seongtae, slightly surprised.

"Shengmen?"

Chae Seongtae nodded, as if sensing a competitive spirit.

"I didn't get a chance to mention it. I am the leader of the Shengmen. The Shengmen is a subordinate organization of the Xiaowumen, consisting of people who work in brothels."

Lian Zicheng nodded.

"Oh, I see. Understood. So, you are below our Zihak sect leader, right?"

Zihak sect leader? A new way of addressing.

Chae Seongtae immediately acknowledged it.

"Of course. Shengmen, Zhugumen, Tielu... all are part of the Xiaowumen alliance."

I asked.

"When did you start using informal language with each other?"

At my question, Lian Zicheng seemed to realize something and said, "Ah, Brother Seongtae is older than me, so he told me to use informal language. I also know that you are older than me. Please feel free to use informal language."

I replied without hesitation.

"Understood. Zicheng."

As soon as I used informal language, Lian Zicheng slightly hesitated and replied.

"Yes, brother."

"Zicheng, it's nice to meet you. See you again."

I was genuinely happy.

After all, I had managed to secure a man who would later become famous for his construction skills.

I thought I should treat Uncle Jin to a bowl of soup at Chunyang Restaurant and also find out how he managed to bring Lian Zicheng on board. Jin Cheliu, of course, had more connections in this area than the inn waiter or the brothel manager, but I couldn't help being curious.

* * *

"Was Zicheng good?"

"He was a bold and straightforward man. I like him."

"I expected you would. I thought you would like him."

I asked Uncle Jin while eating soup.

"Where did you find such a talented man?"

I was really curious.

In my previous life, Jin Cheliu only made dragon-headed handles and was not well-known. Of course, he ran the iron shop well, but Lian Zicheng was a different kind of person, so I couldn't help but be curious.

Jin Cheliu said, "Zicheng is a man who travels day and night to secure projects. He once visited our Longtou Iron Shop to ask if we had any work. He even suggested expanding the iron shop several times. I had no such plans and couldn't afford it."

"Wasn't it because you didn't want to stand out?"

"Of course, that's part of it. Anyway, I couldn't give him any work, but he often visited to say hello. He knows how a merchant should survive. Of course, he should be called a master, not a merchant. Feeling sorry and curious, I introduced him to a few construction projects, and now he calls me 'big brother.'"

"I see. A man who traveled to secure projects..."

Later, he became famous, and Jianghu people sought him out, but that wasn't the case at this time. Lian Zicheng's diligence in traveling and meeting people led him to Jin Cheliu, which was a fortunate turn of events for me.

"Is Guangren making progress?"

At my question, Jin Cheliu, who was drinking soup, smiled.

"There's no significant progress, but it's interesting to work on it. It's something to think about. My days used to be the same, but thinking about Guangren has added a bit of vitality. The same goes for the deputy leader. We are pondering whether we can make unbreakable weapons. The entire iron shop now has a purpose."

I nodded.

"That's good."

"Wait and see. People think I only make good handles, but I will change that perception this time."

Can Jin Cheliu really do it? I couldn't predict it.

However, seeing him move with a purpose, unlike in my previous life, didn't make me feel bad.

While listening to our conversation, Zhang Deshu, who was washing dishes, said, "Riyang County seems to be more lively. I saw the construction site for Zihakjeon, and it looks like it will be a grand inn."

I looked at Uncle Jin and Zhang Deshu, thinking he had something to say.

Zhang Deshu continued, "Why don't we have a celebration? To commemorate the disappearance of the ruffians who used to cause trouble."

"Celebration?"

Zhang Deshu wiped his hands and turned around.

"Zihakjeon, after all, is being built with the ruffians' wealth. They caused a lot of trouble in Riyang County. It would be good to gather the elders and celebrate, putting all the past behind us. If you agree, I can gather the inn and restaurant owners and talk to them. We will have to make the food, after all."

Jin Cheliu nodded.

"That sounds good. It's good to gather and see each other. In the old days, there were many such celebrations. Now it's too cold and distant."

I tilted my head and looked at Zhang Deshu.

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

Zhang Deshu paused for a moment and then answered.

"If there's no one suitable, I could become the head of the Dianmen. I think there should be an organization for waiters, innkeepers, and restaurant owners."

Jin Cheliu choked on his drink and sprayed it at Zhang Deshu.

"Oops, sorry."

Zhang Deshu wiped his face and replied.

"It's okay."

I said, "The head of the Shengmen, Chae Seongtae; the head of the Tielu, Jin Cheliu; the prospective head of the Zhugumen, Lian Zicheng; and the head of the Dianmen, Zhang Deshu."

I don't know why, but it sounds funny.

Zhang Deshu looked at my expression and asked, "Are you laughing? Am I funny?"

"No. I think you'll do well, Deshu. Let's do it that way."

With the addition of the Shengmen, the temporary Xiaowumen (下污門) would become another Xiaowumen (下五門).

I hope this Xiaowumen lasts long.

Moreover, it's time to find a leader for the Shengmen.

While talking with Uncle Jin and Zhang Deshu, I also reviewed my memories to find a suitable leader for the Shengmen.

I know most of the strong people from the time I was active and the events happening in the Jianghu now.

This gave me a lot to think about.

After a while, Jin Cheliu said, as if to end the meal, "Let's go back to work now. It was a good meal."

Zhang Deshu smiled and asked, "Yes, sir. Who will pay?"

"Of course, our sect leader should pay. I introduced a good man, so I expect to get free meals for the next ten years."

It's my turn to pay, but it feels a bit strange that I keep paying. Anyway, I took out money from my bag and paid for the soup.

"Desu, it was a good meal."

Zhang Deshu took the money and replied, "Thank you. Please come again."

I stood up and said to the two of them, "See you again, our sect leaders."

Uncle Jin put on a show.

"Wait for me. I will give you unbreakable beliefs..."

I nodded and replied, "I look forward to it."

As I left Chunyang Restaurant and headed back to Meihualou, men who seemed to be looking for me blocked my path.